NM400 and AR400 are both excellent choices with nominal hardness around 400 HBW. But which one is better for your project? Understanding the differences can save you material cost, downtime, and maintenance headaches.
NM400
Gnee supplies high-quality NM400 and AR400 steel plates to meet different project requirements, with fast delivery and technical support.
Origin and Standard – NM400 vs AR400
| Steel Grade | Standard | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NM400 | GB/T 24186 | China | Widely used in domestic manufacturing |
| AR400 | ASTM A656 / A572 | USA | Common for North America & export projects |
If your project requires ASTM certification or global standard compliance, AR400 is preferred. For domestic use, NM400 is more cost-effective.
Hardness and Wear Resistance of NM400 vs AR400 steel plate
| Steel Grade | Hardness (HBW) | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| NM400 | 360 – 440 | Excellent abrasion resistance for standard mining and construction equipment |
| AR400 | 360 – 440 | Stable hardness with certified ASTM compliance, better for high-impact applications |
Insight: Both plates resist wear effectively, but AR400 offers slightly more predictable hardness for extreme conditions.
Mechanical Properties of NM400 vs AR400 steel plate
| Property | NM400 | AR400 |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 400 | 450 – 550 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 950 – 1100 | 900 – 1150 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 12 | ≥ 10 |
| Weldability | Excellent | Moderate |
If you struggle with cracking or welding difficulties, NM400 is easier to process, saving fabrication time and cost. AR400 is better when impact strength is critical.
Applications – NM400 vs AR400
| Application | NM400 | AR400 |
|---|---|---|
| Mining buckets & liners | Yes | Yes |
| Crusher parts | Yes | Yes |
| Bulldozer blades | Yes | Yes |
| Dump truck beds | Yes | Yes |
| Extreme wear/impact | Moderate | Preferred |
For standard wear applications, NM400 delivers excellent value. For high-impact or heavy-duty international projects, AR400 ensures safety and compliance.
Cost and Availability of NM400 vs AR400 steel plate
NM400: Lower price, widely available in China and Asia.
AR400: Higher cost due to ASTM certification and international standard compliance.
Buyer insight: Choosing NM400 can cut material costs significantly for domestic projects without sacrificing performance.
Choose NM400 if:
Cost-sensitive projects
Welding and forming efficiency is important
Domestic or standard wear applications
Choose AR400 if:
ASTM certification is required
High-impact, extreme wear, or export projects
Long-term durability and warranty are priorities
Get your NM400 or AR400 steel plate today and reduce wear, downtime, and cost.
Contact now to get NM400 Quote
What is NM400 steel?
NM400 Steel is a high-strength, wear-resistant steel known for its superior durability and toughness. NM400 is a Chinese GB standard steel grade. The NM 400 material is widely used in industries where resistance to abrasion is important, such as in the construction and mining sectors.
What is the difference between Hardox 400 and NM400?
Hardox 400 generally contains a higher chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) content, which contributes to better hardness and toughness, while NM400 maintains a balance between cost and performance.
What is the difference between AR 400 and NM400?
NM400 offers cost-effectiveness and low-temperature toughness, making it ideal for budget-conscious projects in moderate wear environments. AR400, with its superior impact resistance and formability, excels in high-impact applications requiring complex fabrication.
Can NM400 be reheated or heat-treated during processing?
This is one of the most critical warnings for first-time users.
NM400 steel plate must not undergo secondary high-temperature heat treatment. The material achieves its wear resistance through a quenched and tempered (Q+T) process. If reheated to high temperatures-such as flame heating for easier bending-the internal microstructure will be altered, resulting in a permanent loss of hardness and wear resistance.
Additionally, the recommended service temperature for NM400 is generally below 250°C–300°C. Exceeding this range may reduce its mechanical properties unless specially alloyed grades (with elements like Mo or V) are used.